2021 Ford Mustang vs Dodge Charger
The 2021 Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger are equipped to deliver quick, agile performance and modern comfort. Which of these muscle cars belongs in your garage? Our comparison guide will help you decide.
Sporty Style: 2021 Ford Mustang
If you’re choosing between these models based on looks alone, you’re almost certainly going to gravitate toward the Ford Mustang. Ford’s all-American muscle car looks the part, with its long nose, sleek fastback roofline, and trademark tri-bar taillights.
While the 2021 Dodge Charger does its best to look as fast as it feels, this muscle car is also a four-door sedan. As such, it can never really look as cool as a two-door sports coupe. But the Charger does score points for its bold front end and flashy exterior color options.
Family-Friendly Passenger Space: 2021 Dodge Charger
The Mustang isn’t exactly known for its rear-seat legroom, so it’s probably not too surprising that the Charger is the better option for family cruising. But we will say that both models get high marks for front-seat support. These muscle cars feature nicely sculpted front seats with just the right amount of cushioning and side bolstering, perfect for long trips.
Everyday Performance: 2021 Ford Mustang
The Mustang comes standard with a more powerful engine, but it also achieves better mileage. That makes it the better daily driver, no matter what your priorities are. The base EcoBoost model comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torque) that helps the Mustang earn up to 25 mpg combined (21 city/32 highway mpg).
The Charger’s base engine, standard on the SXT and GT models, is a 3.6-liter V6 (292 hp, 260 lb-ft). It’s not quite as powerful as the Mustang’s entry-level powertrain, and it’s also not quite as efficient, with EPA ratings of up to 23 mpg combined (19/30 mpg).
Track Skills: It’s a Tie!
Want to tear up the track? Both the 2021 Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger offer their own track-friendly models. The Mustang Shelby GT500, for example, has a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 under the hood, where it generates 760 horses and 625 pound-feet of torque. The Charger can ratchet up even more power. Its top-of-the-line SRT Hellcat Redeye model has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that’s good for 797 horses and 707 pound-feet of torque.
Final Tally
These all-American muscle cars both have their individual charms, but it’s the 2021 Ford Mustang that finishes first. Choose Ford’s famous pony car for eye-catching style, all-star capabilities, and striking balance of power and fuel economy.